Become an ecumenical accompanier in the West Bank and Israel

EAPPI, a unique organisation, co-founded by Christian Aid, that sends volunteers to the West Bank and Israel to act as ecumenical accompaniers for human rights, is taking applications for three-month placements.

Christian Aid has been working in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory for more than 50 years for an end to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory and a sustainable peace.

In 2001, Christian Aid and the World Council of Churches established the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) in support of these aims.

Former member of staff, Jean Harrison, volunteered to be an ecumenical accompanier.

Ecumenical accompaniers spend between three and four and a half months in placements in the West Bank and Israel, providing protection by their presence and supporting Israeli and Palestinian peace activists.

Upon their return to the UK, they work to raise awareness of the situation and advocate for an end to the occupation.

Since its establishment, more than 100 British volunteers from church, ecumenical or peace networks have taken up this opportunity. Applications are now being taken for 2013. Living allowances and benefits are provided.

Jean Harrison, former Christian Aid staff member, recently returned from a three-month placement in Bethlehem with EAPPI. She says:

‘Although sometimes I would come home feeling angry and helpless, I know that our presence here makes a difference.

‘People appreciate us because we’re there at difficult times. We have time to drink tea, talk and listen to them. It’s been one of the best aspects of my experience: you feel you like you belong here and it’s a privilege.’

Applications should be made directly to EAPPI, which is fully responsible for the recruitment and management of the programme.

For more information or to download an information pack, please check the EAPPI website.

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